Not all of us are artistically inclined enough to make a conscious decision to enroll ourselves into an arts course back when we were students.
That’s not to say that it’s too late to take some arts classes now that we’re adults.
We’re also sure that some of you have yet to utilise those SkillsFuture credits, so what a perfect time to use it for enriching yourself in this field!
Here are some not-so-mainstream art classes you might be interested in, as recommended by A List Singapore.
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
We start off with Singapore’s oldest arts institution. The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) offers part-time courses, usually held on weekday nights, aimed at working adults hoping to explore their inner artists.
Let’s look at two of their more interesting options.
Fashion Jewellery Design
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make your own jewellery and accessories, this course in Fashion Jewellery Design is right up your alley.
Learn and understand the basics of fashion jewellery and jewellery design with an emphasis on working on sustainable materials.
You will not only study the trends and history of jewellery, but also the various basic techniques to create your own design from start to finish.
Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday night, and total course fees are $1,650 for four modules.
Printmaking
Nowadays it’s all about Photoshop and Illustrator, but before the computer came to be, graphic prints were made using blocks and plates with ink.
With this course in Printmaking, you will have a hands-on experience in creating your own contemporary art piece through traditional techniques in a studio setting where you will have both theory and practical lessons.
There’s also class critiques and discussions after every exercise to keep you on your toes.
The studio session is held once a week, with sessions taking place on Wednesday nights. Four modules for this course will cost you $1,880.
Having started since January, courses are already underway. The next intake will be in July, and applications and payments can be done via their online portal or in person at the school, and you can use your SkillsFuture credits here too.
LASALLE College of the Arts
From one arts institution, we head on to another. LASALLE College of the Arts is located just a few blocks away from NAFA, and has their own extensive list of part-time courses that you can look at.
Acting
Unleash your inner actor through LASALLE’s Acting course. Through a series of practical exercises, you will have the opportunity to develop your voice, body and imagination as a performer.
Learn the foundation of acting based on Stanislavski’s methodology, as you practise acting techniques, respond to scripts, and develop collaborative performance skills while you work on a variety of scenes.
$480 will get you eight lessons, and they are held every Tuesday and Thursday night.
Architectural Photography
Ever wondered how those beautiful photos of new buildings and interiors are taken? Through LASALLE’s brand new Architectural Photography course, you can learn how to take those photos and much more.
Classes are held twice a week on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings, and cost $490 for a total of eight classes.
Do note though that you will have to be familiar with operating a DSLR camera, as this is not a beginner’s course.
For both of these courses, the next batch of classes start in March, so you still have some time to register for them.
Applications can be made via LASALLE’s online registration platform. Using your SkillsFuture credit here means that you can potentially attend the classes for free.
Goodman Arts Centre
Goodman Arts Centre is home to artists and arts-related activities, and is located away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD at Mountbatten.
Arts groups can always be seen holding workshops, talks, or get-together sessions for the community here, and best of all, all members of the public are more than welcome to join in.
Art Of Perfume Making
Creating the perfect scent is an art form in itself, so here’s an opportunity for you to do just that. Je t’aime Perfumery Singapore regularly holds their perfume-making workshops at the Goodman Arts Centre.
Here, you can recreate the smell that reminds you of your childhood, or make use of one of their unique Orchid fragrances to create your own signature scent for a loved one.
It will cost $125 for a 2-hour workshop and you will get to bring home your work – 105ml of your scent in three 10ml travel packs, and one 75ml hand-polished crystal bottle.
You can register for this workshop through Jet’aime’s website here.
Open Batik Session
A Javanese technique that dates more than a thousand years, Batik is one of the most recognisable of Southeast Asia’s art forms.
Though it is traditionally used for clothing, you can learn about the intricacies of this art form on canvas to create your own contemporary painting.
The Open Batik Session is a course where you will be introduced to the history of Batik in relation to Southeast Asian heritage, right down to the tools used like the ‘tjanting’.
Held every Wednesday for a full day, the session is open to all and costs just $20 with all materials provided.
Drop them an email at admin@kamaldollah.com or call 63443369 to register your interest.
MakeYourOwn.sg
Upcycling as a trend is gaining momentum as people seek new ways to transform their old items into artwork that they can display at home.
Where Make Your Own (MYO) comes in is to provide you an environment where you can create just that.
With the aim of bringing a new perspective into the local Do-It-Yourself (DIY) culture, they are offering a platform where people can explore their creativity by making products that are a reflection of their character.
Courses here are priced at less than $200 and cover a variety of products that you will be able to make on your own.
They range from workshops in terrarium making, creating lamps out of copper pipes, crafting your own leather goods, to the intricate art of watercolour calligraphy.
Registering for one their many workshops is easy, simply add to cart and checkout, just like what you’d do when buying any of their products.
Fictive Fingers
Run by sisters Hani and Aisah Dalduri, Fictive Fingers started off by selling a range of ladies’ accessories which were handmade and handcrafted by themselves, with the fabric used in all of them being handprinted individually.
Since our last coverage of them, they have since opened up their secrets to the public and now offer workshops that anyone can attend.
Through their workshop, you will be taught the basics in designing your own prints, and turning them into patterns on fabric through screen printing.
Their 3-hour classes cost $148, and classes are kept small for a more inclusive learning experience.
Unfortunately, February classes have ended but you can check their schedule for any future classes or contact them directly for private bookings.
What Are You Waiting For?
With all these art courses waiting for you, perhaps you should consider one as a medium to de-stress after work.
Who knows, you might just unearth the inner artist that you never knew existed.
Don’t forget to check out A List Singapore for the latest in the Singapore arts scene – you may just find another course that you’d want to take up.
Ps. don’t forget to find out what kind of artist are you below! Post your results in our comments section.
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